Saw cart

ABSTRACT

A cart for carrying a cut-off saw having a saw blade. The cart includes a frame with upper and lower portions, a wheel arm pivotably coupled to the lower portion about a first axis, and a rear wheel assembly coaxial with the first axis and coupled to the frame and the wheel arm. The cart includes a front wheel coupled to an end of the wheel arm opposite the rear wheel assembly, an adjustment lever pivotably coupled to the upper portion about a second axis, and a link having a first end pivotably coupled to the adjustment lever and spaced from the second axis, and a second end pivotably coupled to the wheel arm between the first axis and the front wheel. Pivoting the adjustment lever about the second axis pivots the wheel arm about the first axis to adjust a vertical position of the front wheel relative to the upper portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/514,862, filed Jul. 17, 2019, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/699,271, filed Jul. 17, 2018, theentire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cart, and more particularly to a cartfor a cut-off saw.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Power tools such as, for instance, cut-off saws, generally have manyapplications. Cut-off saws can be held directly by a user or supportedby a cart. The cart allows the saw to make precise cuts into a floorsurface such as concrete or asphalt. In order to do so, the cart needsto be able to support the saw and its associated equipment, adjustaspects of the saw, such as cutting depth, and control activation of thesaw.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides, in one aspect, a cart for carrying a cut-off sawhaving a saw blade. The cart includes a frame with an upper portion anda lower portion, a wheel arm pivotably coupled to the lower portion ofthe frame about a first axis, and a rear wheel assembly coaxial with thefirst axis and coupled to the frame and the wheel arm. The cart furtherincludes a front wheel coupled to an end of the wheel arm opposite therear wheel assembly, an adjustment lever pivotably coupled to the upperportion of the frame about a second axis, and a link having a first endpivotably coupled to the adjustment lever at a location spaced from thesecond axis, and a second end pivotably coupled to the wheel arm at alocation between the first axis and the front wheel. Pivoting theadjustment lever about the second axis pivots the wheel arm about thefirst axis to adjust a vertical position of the front wheel relative tothe upper portion of the frame, and therefore a vertical position of thesaw blade relative to a support surface of the cart.

The invention provides, in another aspect, a cart for carrying a cut-offsaw having a saw blade, a motor drivably coupled to the saw blade, and atrigger for varying the rotational speed of the motor and saw blade. Thecart includes a frame, a handle coupled to the frame, a throttle leverpivotably coupled to the handle, and a throttle cable having a first endand a second end opposite the first end. The first end is proximate thetrigger to selectively pull the trigger, thereby varying the rotationalspeed of the motor and saw blade. The cart further includes an actuatorsupported by the handle and movable between a first position, in whichpivoting movement of the throttle lever is incapable of tensioning thethrottle cable for pulling the trigger, and a second position, in whichpivoting movement of the throttle lever tensions the throttle cable forpulling the trigger.

The invention provides, in another aspect, a cart for carrying a cut-offsaw having a saw blade, a motor drivably coupled to the saw blade, and afirst removable battery pack for powering the motor. The cart includes aframe with an upper portion and a lower portion, a wheel arm pivotablycoupled to the lower portion of the frame, a rear wheel assembly coupledto the frame and/or the wheel arm, a front wheel coupled to an end ofthe wheel arm opposite the rear wheel assembly, a first mount coupled tothe frame to which the cut-off saw is attachable, and a second mountcoupled to the frame to which a second removable battery pack, which isinterchangeable with the first removable battery pack, is attachable forstorage.

In combination with any of the abovementioned embodiments, the cart mayfurther include a water tank carried onboard the frame. In someembodiments, the cart may include a bracket to removably support thewater tank on the frame.

In combination with any of the abovementioned embodiments, the cart mayfurther include a loop coupled to an upper portion of the frame topermit a device, such as a crane or the like, to hook onto the cart foreasy transportation of the cart.

In combination with any of the abovementioned embodiments, the cart mayfurther include a rear wheel assembly having a left wheel, a rightwheel, a solid axle connecting the left and right wheels, and anadjustment knob. To adjust the lateral position of the axle and wheels,a user can rotate the adjustment knob, allowing the axle to slidelinearly relative to the frame. Once a desired position has beenreached, a user can rotate the adjustment knob to secure the axle inplace.

In combination with any of the abovementioned embodiments, the cart mayfurther include a depth adjustment assembly for changing a cutting depthof the cut-off saw. The depth adjustment assembly may include a handcrank or a foot treadle coupled to a mounting plate for the cut-off sawthrough a gear assembly. As a user rotates the hand crank or the foottreadle, the gear assembly is driven which pivots the mounting plateabout a pivot shaft, thereby adjusting the cutting depth of the saw.

In combination with any of the abovementioned embodiments, the cart mayfurther include a depth adjustment assembly for changing a cutting depthof the cut-off saw. The depth adjustment assembly may include anactuator coupled to a mounting plate for the cut-off saw. In response toactivation of the actuator, the mounting plate is pivoted about a pivotshaft, thereby adjusting the cutting depth of the saw.

In combination with any of the abovementioned embodiments, the cart mayfurther include a depth adjustment assembly for changing a cutting depthof the cut-off saw. The depth adjustment assembly may include a footpedal that when engaged releases a lock on a rear axle of the cartallowing a push handle to be pivoted forward to plunge the saw into asupport surface. When the foot pedal is fully engaged, it rests on thesupport surface.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration ofthe detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cart in accordance with anembodiment of the invention supporting a cut-off saw.

FIG. 1A is a front perspective of the cart of FIG. 1 without the cut-offsaw.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cut-off saw of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a rear mount of the cart of FIG. 1A forattaching the cut-off saw.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the rear mount of FIG. 3 in an open position.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the cart of FIG. 1A, illustrating a depthadjustment assembly.

FIG. 6 is a cutaway perspective view of a portion of the depthadjustment assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 7 is another cutaway perspective view of a portion of the depthassembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 8 is a cutaway perspective view of a remote throttle system of thecart of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a battery mount on the cart of FIG. 1 with abattery pack attached.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the battery mount of FIG. 9 without thebattery pack.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the cart of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 12 is an enlarged plan view of an adjustable handle assembly on thecart of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable handle assembly ofFIG. 12 .

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a rear wheel assembly according toanother embodiment of the invention on the cart of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged plan view of an adjustable handle assemblyaccording to another embodiment of the invention on the cart of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a depth adjustment assembly accordingto another embodiment of the invention on the cart of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the depth adjustment assembly of FIG. 16 in afirst position.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the depth adjustment assembly of FIG. 16 in asecond position.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a depth adjustment assembly accordingto another embodiment of the invention on the cart of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a depth adjustment assembly accordingto another embodiment of the invention on the cart of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a depth adjustment assembly accordingto another embodiment of the invention on the cart of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a depth adjustment assembly accordingto another embodiment of the invention on the cart of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a water tank according to anotherembodiment of the invention on the cart of FIG. 1A.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a cart 10 for supporting a power tool, such as acut-off saw 15. The cart 10 is capable of conveying the saw 15 oversurfaces during operation and for transport. The cart 10 is able totransport the saw 15 in a transport direction, along the x-axis shown inFIG. 1 , in either a forward or backwards direction.

With reference to FIG. 2 , the saw 15 includes a housing 75, a supportarm 80 coupled to and extending from the housing 75, a cutting wheel 85carried by the support arm 80, and a guard 90 covering a portion of thecircumference of the cutting wheel 85. The cutting wheel 85 can be ablade, an abrasive disk, or any other rotatable element capable ofremoving material from a workpiece. In the illustrated embodiment, thecutting wheel 85 has a diameter greater than 9 inches and is preferably14 inches in diameter. In other embodiments, the cutting wheel 85 can bebetween about 10 inches and about 16 inches in diameter.

The saw 15 includes a rear handle 105 that extends from the rear of thehousing 75 in a direction generally opposite the support arm 80. Atrigger 110 for operating the saw 15 and a lockout shuttle 115 thatprevents the user from pulling the trigger 110 unless it is firstdepressed are both located on the rear handle 105. The saw 15 alsoincludes a front handle 120 that wraps around an upper portion of thehousing 75 and that in conjunction with the rear handle 105, providesgrip areas to facilitate two-handed operation of the saw 15.

The saw 15 includes an on-board battery pack 135 that provides power toan electric motor (not shown). The battery pack 135 is removably coupledto a battery receptacle 140, which is located on the upper portion ofthe housing 75. As such, the front handle 120 at least partiallysurrounds the battery receptacle 140 and the battery pack 135, when thebattery pack 135 is attached to the receptacle 140. The battery pack 135is a power tool battery pack and includes a battery housing 145 and aplurality of rechargeable battery cells (not shown) disposed within thebattery housing 145. The battery cells are lithium-based battery cellsbut can alternatively have any other suitable chemistry. In theillustrated embodiment, the battery pack 135 has a nominal outputvoltage of about 80V. In other embodiments, the battery pack 135 canhave a different nominal voltage, such as, for example, 36V, 40V, 72V,between 36V and about 80V, or greater than 40V. In an alternativeembodiment, the battery receptacle 140 may be incorporated on the cart10, instead of the saw 15, to provide electrical power to the motor ofthe saw 15.

With continued reference to FIG. 2 , the saw 15 further includes a fluiddistribution system 150. The fluid distribution system 150 includes aconnector 155 attachable to a fluid supply line 170 (FIG. 11 ), acontrol valve 160 supported upon the front handle 120, and a distributor165 supported upon the guard 90. The supply line 170 provides fluid,such as water, to the fluid distribution system 150 from an externalsource. In the illustrated embodiment, the external source is a watertank 175 (FIG. 1 ) carried onboard the cart 10. The water tank 175includes a connector 180 (FIG. 11 ), which may include an integratedshutoff valve, to which the supply line 170 is connected. A first line(not shown) extends from the connector 155 to the control valve 160, anda second line (not shown) extends from the control valve 160 to thedistributor 165. In the illustrated embodiment, the distributor 165includes a pair of spray nozzles 185 disposed on opposite sides of theguard 90 connected by a supply line 190. The spray nozzles 185 areoperable to discharge fluid onto each side of the cutting wheel 85 forcooling, lubrication, and dust abatement.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the cart 10 includes a frame 25 towhich the saw 15 is attachable, a handle 30 upwardly extending from theframe 25 that is graspable by a user for maneuvering the cart 10, afront wheel 35, and a rear wheel assembly 40 having two rear wheels 540,545. The frame 25 includes a material discharge guard (e.g., mud flap 45(FIG. 3 )) that blocks material cut by the saw 15 from contacting a userof the cart 10 and a loop 48 (FIG. 6 ) that is used as a lifting pointor hoist loop. The loop 48 is coupled to an upper portion of the frame25 and allows a device, such as a crane or the like, to hook onto thecart 10 for easy transportation of the cart 10. The loop 48 is capableof supporting up to quadruple the weight of the cart 10. In someembodiments, the loop 48 may be a separate component from the frame 25that is attached thereto (e.g., by welding, etc.). In other embodiments,the loop 48 may be integrally formed with the frame 25. The cart 10further includes first and second latches 50 (FIG. 1 ), 55 (FIG. 5 )that are used to retain the water tank 175 on a bracket 58 (FIG. 3 )coupled to the frame 25. The first and second latches 50, 55 are onopposite sides of the water tank 175 when positioned for use. The firstand second latches 50, 55 are over-center latches that apply a clampingforce to hooks 60 on the water tank 175 to pull the water tank 175downward and secure it in place. The bracket 58 is removably coupled tothe frame 25 so the frame 25 can support alternative brackets 1100 thatsupport alternative water tanks 1110 (FIG. 23 ).

With reference to FIG. 1A, the cart 10 includes a mounting assembly 200to secure the saw 15 to the frame 25. The mounting assembly 200 includesa front mount 205 on a lower portion of the frame 25 and a rear mount210 on an upper portion of the frame 25. As shown in FIGS. 1A, the frontmount 205 defines a channel 220 in which a lower portion of the fronthandle 120 of the saw 15 is receivable. The channel 220 is open alongits top and lateral sides to facilitate insertion of the handle 120 fromthe top of the channel 220 (i.e., in a direction parallel the y-axisshown in FIG. 1 ) or from the side of the channel 220 (i.e., in adirection parallel to the z-axis).

With reference to FIG. 3 , the rear mount 210 includes a housing 235 anda cover 240 that is pivotably coupled to the housing 235 about an axis(not shown). The housing 235 includes parallel bores 250 a, 250 bthrough which a threaded rod 225 and a guide rod 230, respectively,protrude for supporting the housing 235 on the frame 25. The guide rod230 is cantilevered from the frame 25 and includes a smooth cylindricalouter periphery along which the bore 250 a is slidable. The threaded rod225 is also cantilevered from the frame 25, and includes externalthreads that are engaged with a bushing 251 that is welded in the frame25. Further description of the operation of the threaded rod 225 appearsbelow. When the cover 240 is closed, the housing 235 and cover 240define a cavity 255 (FIG. 4 ) in which the rear handle 105 of the saw 15is positioned. When the cover 240 is pivoted away from the housing 235toward an open position, the rear handle 105 is removable from thecavity 255.

With reference to FIG. 4 , the cover 240 includes a boss 260 on itsinterior that presses the lockout shuttle 115 of the saw 15 when thecover 240 is moved to the closed position, which allows the trigger 110to be pulled to operate the saw 15. In some embodiments, the cover 240and/or the housing 235 may include a resilient member (e.g., acompression or torsion spring) that biases the cover 240 away from thehousing 235 to keep the cavity open for ease of tool attachment. Therear mount 210 further includes two latches 265 that secures the cover240 in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the latches265 are configured as an over-center latches 265 to apply a clampingforce between the cover 240 and the housing 235 to thereby maintain thelockout shuttle 115 in an override position.

To position the saw 15 on the cart 10, a user holds the rear and fronthandles 105, 120 of the saw 15 and aligns the rear handle 105 with therear mount 210 and the front handle 120 with the front mount 205. Theuser then lowers the front handle 120 along the y-axis into the channel220. Simultaneously, with the cover 240 in its open position, the rearhandle 105 is moved transversely along the z-axis and positioned intothe portion of the cavity 255 defined by the housing 235. The cover 240is then pivoted to the closed position and the latches 265 adjusted toits locking configuration, thereby securing the saw 15 on the cart 10.In some embodiments, the cover 240 includes internal features (e.g.,integral guides, etc.) that bias the handle 105 of the saw 15 intosupports 268 of the housing 235. In other words, the cover 240 includesinternal features that naturally guide the handle 105 into the cavity255 as the cover 240 is being closed to secure the handle 105 in therear mount 210. The motion of pivoting the cover 240 to the closedposition engages the lockout shuttle 115 with the boss 260, moving thelockout shuttle 115 to the override position where the trigger 110 maybe pulled to activate the saw 15.

With reference to FIGS. 5 , the cart 10 further includes a depthadjustment assembly 270 for varying the plunge depth of the cuttingwheel 85 into a support surface 20 of the cart 10. The depth adjustmentassembly 270 includes a wheel arm 275, an adjustment lever 280, and alink 285 interconnecting the wheel arm 275 and the adjustment lever 280.The wheel arm 275 includes a first end 290 and a second end 295 (FIG. 1) opposite the first end 290. The front wheel 35 is rotatably coupled tothe first end 290 of the wheel arm 275, whereas the second end 295 ispivotably coupled to a lower portion of the frame 25 about an axis A2,which is also the rotational axis of the rear wheels 540, 545 (FIGS. 1and 1A). As such, the position of the front wheel 35 relative to theframe 25 is adjustable along an arc 302 having an origin intersected bythe axis A2.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the adjustment lever 280 also includes a housing315 attached to an upper portion of the frame 25 and an arcuate plate345, which has teeth 360 on its outer periphery, affixed to the housing315. Accordingly, the orientation of the housing 315 and the plate 345is fixed relative to the frame 25. The adjustment lever 280 is pivotablycoupled to the frame 25 about an axis A3 that is parallel with axis A2.The adjustment lever 280 includes a D-shaped handle 305 enclosing a pairof support brackets 335 interconnected with pins 340, 343. The arcuateplate 345 is positioned between the support brackets 335. One of thepins 340 extends through an arcuate slot 365 in the plate 345, theradius of which has an origin intersected by the axis A3. Lower ends 355of the respective support brackets 335 extend from a lower opening 330in the housing 315. The support brackets 335 also extend from an upperopening 328 in the housing 315 having an arc length corresponding to thearc length of the portion of the plate 345 having the teeth 360.

With reference to FIG. 7 , the adjustment lever 280 includes an actuator(i.e., pull handle 350) having an upper end 370 that protrudes from aninternal opening 325 in the D-shaped handle 305 and an opposite, lowerend 375 that engages the gear teeth 360 on the arcuate plate 345. Theadjustment lever 280 also includes a resilient member (e.g., acompression spring) that biases the pull handle 350 toward a position inwhich the lower end 375 is engaged with the gear teeth 360. When a userpulls the upper end 370 of the pull handle 350, the lower end 375 islifted out of engagement with the gear teeth 360, allowing the D-shapedhandle 305 to pivot about the axis A3 relative to the housing 315.Although not shown, the housing 315 may include depth adjustmentmarkings thereon for the user to reference when adjusting the positionof the D-shaped handle 305.

With reference back to FIG. 5 , the link 285 includes a first end 380that is pivotably coupled to the lower ends 355 (FIG. 7 ) of therespective support brackets 335 and a second end 385 that is pivotablycoupled to the wheel arm 275 via a pin 390 positioned between the firstand second ends 290, 295 of the wheel arm 275. In an alternativeembodiment, the adjustment lever 280 of the depth adjustment assembly270 may be replaced by a hand crank, which may be rotatable about anaxis to impart displacement to the link 285, thus causing pivotingmovement of the wheel arm 275 in the manner described above.

The depth adjustment assembly 270 adjusts the vertical position of theframe 25 relative to the front wheel 35. In other words, the depthadjustment assembly 270 adjusts the vertical position of the cuttingwheel 85, when the saw 15 is attached to the cart 10, relative to thesupport surface 20 of the cart 10 to vary the plunge depth of thecutting wheel 85 into the support surface 20. To adjust the plunge depthof the cutting wheel 85, a user pulls the upper end 370 of the pullhandle 350, which lifts the lower end 375 out of engagement with thegear teeth 360 on the arcuate plate 345, allowing the adjustment lever280 to rotate about the axis A3 (FIG. 7 ). As the adjustment lever 280rotates, the wheel arm 275 is pivoted about the axis A2 by the link 285,changing the position of the frame 25 relative to the wheel arm 275, andthus the position of the cutting wheel 85 relative to the supportsurface 20. If the adjustment lever 280 is rotated forward, as indicatedby arrow 395 (FIG. 5 ), the frame 25 is pivoted downwards relative tothe wheel arm 275, dropping the cutting wheel 85 further into thesupport surface 20 (and increasing the plunge depth of the cutting wheel85). Alternatively, if the adjustment lever 280 is rotated backwards asindicated by arrow 400 (FIG. 5 ), the frame 25 is pivoted upwardsrelative to the wheel arm 275, raising the cutting wheel 85 away fromthe support surface 20 (and decreasing the plunge depth of the cuttingwheel 85).

With reference to FIG. 11 , a distance Y between the saw guard 90 andthe outer periphery of the cutting wheel 85 is indicative of the maximumplunge depth of the cutting wheel 85 into the support surface 20. In oneembodiment of the cart 10, the distance Y is within a range of about 4inches to about 7 inches, depending upon the diameter of the cuttingwheel 85 that is used. Now with reference to FIG. 5 , the wheel arm 275is pivotable about the axis A2 relative to the frame 25 between twoextreme positions. The first extreme position of the wheel arm 275(shown in solid lines) is when the cutting wheel 85 is at its minimumplunge depth into the support surface 20, and the second extremeposition of the wheel arm 275 (shown in broken lines) is when thecutting wheel 85 is beyond its maximum plunge depth into the supportsurface 20. Therefore, a vertical distance X between the first end 290of the wheel arm 275 in the first extreme position and the first end 290of the wheel arm 275 in the second extreme position will always begreater than the maximum plunge depth of the cutting wheel 85, indicatedby distance Y. As such, the wheel arm 275 can always be adjusted agreater amount than the maximum plunge depth of the cutting wheel 85.This allows the cart 10 to be operated with multiple sizes of cuttingwheels 85.

With reference to FIG. 1 , the cart 10 includes a remote throttle system405 for activating and deactivating the saw 15 when it is supported onthe frame 25. With reference to FIG. 8 , the throttle system 405includes a throttle lever 410 pivotably coupled to the handle 30 and athrottle cable 415 having a first end 430 that is selectively coupled tothe handle 30 and a second end 435 (FIG. 4 ) proximate the trigger 110of the saw 15. The remote throttle system 405 also includes an interlocksystem 420 operable in a first mode in which pivoting movement of thethrottle lever 410 is incapable of tensioning the throttle cable 415 forpulling the trigger 110, and a second mode in which pivoting movement ofthe throttle lever 410 tensions the throttle cable 415 for pulling thetrigger 110.

The interlock system 420 includes a housing 440 coupled to the handle 30and an actuator (e.g., a button 445) that is biased by a spring 450 toprotrude from a top side of the housing 440. Within the housing 440, theinterlock system 420 includes a first arcuate bracket 455 that iscoupled for co-rotation with the throttle lever 410 and a second arcuatebracket 460 that is coupled to the first end 430 of the throttle cable415. The first arcuate bracket 455 includes a slot 475 on its outerperiphery in which a pin 465 is receivable. The second arcuate bracket460 includes the pin 465 pivotably coupled thereto by extension arms468. The extension arms 468 and the movable pin 465 are biased upwardtowards the button 445 by a resilient member (e.g., a torsion spring470). The button 445 is movable between a first position, in which thespring 450 biases the button 445 away from the pin 465, and a secondposition, in which the button 445 is depressed against the bias of thespring 450 to push the pin 465 (against the bias of the torsion spring470) into the slot 475. In the first position of the button 445, the pin465 is not received in the slot 475, thereby permitting the firstarcuate bracket 455 to pivot independently of the second arcuate bracket460. As a result, pivoting movement of the throttle lever 410 isincapable of tensioning the throttle cable 415 for pulling the trigger110. In the second position of the button 445, the pin 465 is receivedwithin the slot 475 to thereby rotationally unitize the first and secondarcuate brackets 455, 460 to pivot in unison with the throttle lever 410when it is depressed. As a result, pivoting movement of the throttlelever 410 tensions the throttle cable 415 for pulling the trigger 110.

With reference to FIG. 4 , the remote throttle system 405 also includesan actuator arm 480 pivotably coupled to the housing 235 of the rearmount 210. The second end 435 of the throttle cable 415 is coupled tothe actuator arm 480. The actuator arm 480 is pivotable and includes afinger 490 positioned beneath the trigger 110 of the cut off saw 15,when positioned on the cut off saw cart 10. In some embodiments, theremote throttle system 405 includes a first spring 494 seated on thethrottle cable 415 between the actuator arm 480 and the housing 235 anda second spring 495 between the actuator arm 480 and the second end 435of the throttle cable 415. The first and second springs 494, 495 allowthe second end 435 of the throttle cable 415 to continue moving afterthe finger 490 has squeezed the trigger 110 to its maximum depressedposition. This ensures that the throttle lever 410, when pivoted to itsmaximum depressed position against the handle 30, pulls the trigger 110to its maximum depressed position coinciding with the maximum rotationalspeed of the cutting wheel 85 (in an embodiment of the saw 15 where thetrigger 110 is configured as a variable-speed trigger). In someembodiments, the throttle cable 415 is routed through the handle 30and/or the frame 25 of the cart 10. In such embodiments, the throttlecable 415 exits the housing 440 into the handle 30 of the cart 10, andis then routed from the handle 30 into a lower portion of the frame 25.The second end of the throttle cable 415 exits the frame 25 adjacent thehousing 235 for connection to the actuator arm 480. All entry and exitopenings in the frame 25 may include a grommet to prevent chaffing thejacket of the throttle cable 415. Routing the throttle cable 415 throughthe frame 25 and handle 30 conceals and protects it.

To activate the saw 15, a user depresses the button 445 to the secondposition, which depresses the pin 465 against the bias of the torsionspring 470 into the slot 475 to rotationally unitize the first andsecond arcuate brackets 455, 460. A user then pivots the throttle lever410 towards the handle 30, pivoting the arcuate brackets 455, 460 andtensioning the throttle cable 415. As a user progressively pulls thethrottle lever 410 towards the handle 30, the throttle cable 415progressively pulls the actuator arm 480 towards the trigger 110 of thesaw 15. Because the lockout shuttle 115 is continuously depressed by theboss 260 on the cover 240 of the rear mount 210, the finger 490 squeezesthe trigger 110 to activate the motor, thereby varying the rotationalspeed of the cutting wheel 85 on the saw 15. Once a user releases thethrottle lever 410, it pivots away from the handle 30. The torsionspring 470 removes the pin 465 from the slot 475, and the spring 450displaces the button 445 away from the pin 465. In order to re-activatethe cutting wheel 85, a user must again depress the button 445 beforepulling the throttle lever 410 towards the handle 30.

With reference to FIG. 3 , the cart 10 includes a track control system505 that adjusts the skew angle of the cutting wheel 85 relative to thesupport surface 20. The track control system 505 includes the threadedrod 225 and the guide rod 230, discussed above. As discussed above, thethreaded rod 225 is received within the bore 250 a and the threadedbushing 251 welded in the frame 25, whereas the guide rod 230 isslidably received within the bore 250 b. The threaded rod 225 includes arotatable knob 510. When the knob 510 and the threaded rod 225 arerotated in a counter-clockwise direction, the rear mount 210 (and thusthe rear handle 105 of the saw 15) are moved towards the frame 25, whichin turn moves the cutting wheel 85 away from the wheel arm 275.Alternatively, when the knob 510 and the threaded rod 225 are rotated ina clockwise direction, the rear mount 210 (and thus the rear handle 105of the saw 15) are moved away from the frame 25, which in turn moves thecutting wheel 85 towards the wheel arm 275. In this manner, the skewangle of the cutting wheel 85 relative to the x-axis (FIG. 1 ) can beadjusted. Additionally, when the cover 240 is closed, the threaded rod225 and guide rod 230 are arranged in the cavity 255. When the cover 240is open, a user has access to the knob 510 to adjust the skew of thesaw. In some embodiments, the cover 240 includes indicia indicating to auser which way to rotate the knob 510 in order to adjust the skew angleof the saw 15.

With reference to FIG. 9 , the cart 10 further includes a battery packmount 515 coupled to the frame 25 to which a spare removable batterypack 525, which is interchangeable with the removable battery pack 135on the saw 15, is attachable for storage. The battery pack mountincludes a C-shaped bracket 520 coupled to the frame 25 and defines achannel 530. The removable battery pack 525 includes a rail 535 that hasan increased thickness portion 538. The rail 535 is positioned in thechannel 530 of the C-shaped bracket 520 to mount the removable batterypack 525 to the cart 10. The rail 535 is friction fit inside the channel530 of the C-shaped bracket 520 at a point where the rail 535 progressesto the increased thickness portion 538. The battery rail 535 may extendthe full length of the removable battery pack 525 or only a portion ofthe removable battery pack 525. Now referencing FIG. 10 , the batterypack mount 515 further includes a platform 539 that supports the bottomof the battery pack 525. The battery pack mount 515 may be coupled toother locations on the frame 25 other than where it is illustrated. Insome embodiments, the battery pack mount 515 includes a latch forsecuring the removable battery pack 525. In further embodiments, thebattery pack mount 515 includes terminals for on board charging of theremovable battery pack 525. In another embodiment, the battery packmount 515 stores multiple battery packs.

With reference to FIG. 12 , the cart includes an adjustable handleassembly 565. The handle assembly 565 includes the handle 30 that isgraspable by a user pushing the cart 10 and a joint 575 for securing thehandle 30 in a desired rotational position relative to the frame 25. Thejoint 575 includes a first clamshell 580 with teeth 585 fixed to thehandle 30, and a second half clamshell 590 with teeth 585 fixed to theframe 25. When the teeth 585 of the first and second clamshells 580, 590are meshed, the handle 30 is rotationally locked.

With reference to FIG. 13 , the handle assembly 565 also includes a boltshank 595 extending through the handle 30 and the first clamshell 580, aknob 600 on one end of the shank 595, and an opposite threaded end 605threaded to a threaded bore 610 in the second half-clamshell 590.Although not illustrated, a compression spring may be positioned betweenthe clamshells 580, 590 to push them apart. In the illustratedembodiment, the joint 575 is positioned on a side of the adjustmentlever 280 that is further away from the frame 25. In other embodiments,the joint 575 may be positioned on a side of the adjustment lever 280that is closer to the frame 25 as shown FIG. 15 .

To adjust the height of the handle assembly 565, a user can rotate theknob 600 to loosen the bolt shank 595 from the threaded bore 610 of thesecond half-clamshell 590 drawing the first half-clamshell 580 away fromthe second half-clamshell 590. Once the teeth 585 of the respectiveclamshells 580, 590 are disengaged, the handle 30 can be rotatedrelative to the first half-clamshell 580 and bolt shank 595 to a desiredheight. Once the desired height is reached, a user can rotate the knob600 in the opposite direction to tighten the connection between theshank 595 and the threaded bore 610, which re-engages the teeth 585 ofthe respective clamshells 580, 590, again locking the rotationalposition (and therefore the height) of the handle 30 relative to theframe 25.

With reference to FIG. 10 , the cart 10 includes a tracking device 614.The tracking device 614 shares location information, last used date andtime, and other metrics with a user. The tracking device 614 maycommunicate with a user via a Bluetooth enabled device such as a smartphone with an application for the tracking device 614. The trackingdevice 614 may be coupled to the frame 25 of the cart 10, the saw 15, orother components of the cart 10. The tracking device 614 may be coupledto the cart 10 using an adhesive, fasteners, tie wraps, or the like. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the tracking device 614 is mounted on theframe 25 of the cart 10 adjacent the battery pack mount 515. In someembodiments, the cart 10 includes other storage spaces to mount thetracking device to the cart 10 where the tracking device will notinterfere with any moving components on the cart 10 or otherwise besubject to impacts or undesired contact during normal use of the cart10.

FIG. 14 illustrates a rear wheel assembly 640 for the cut off saw cart10 according to another embodiment of the invention. The rear wheelassembly 640 includes a left wheel 642, a right wheel 645, a solid axle650 connecting the left and right wheels 642, 645 and an adjustment knob655. The axle 650 is supported by a tube 660 on the cart 10 that extendsthrough the second end 295 of the wheel arm 275 and is coaxial with theaxis A2. The axle 650 remains stationary within the tube 660 while theleft and right wheels 640, 645 rotate around the axle 650. Theadjustment knob 655 includes a threaded screw (not shown) that may beloosened in and out of contact with the axle 650. To adjust the lateralposition of the axle 650 and wheels 640, 645, a user can rotate theadjustment knob 655 to loosen the threaded screw, allowing the axle 650to slide linearly along the axis A2 within the tube 660. Once a desiredposition has been reached, a user can rotate the adjustment knob 655 totighten the threaded screw and secure the axle 650 in place. Thispermits either of the wheels 640, 645 to be moved further inboard if itis desired to push the cart 10 with the attached saw 15 in closeproximity to a wall.

FIG. 16 illustrates a depth adjustment assembly 710 on the cart 10according to another embodiment of the invention. The depth adjustmentassembly 710 includes a mounting plate 715 that supports the saw 15, afoot treadle 720, and a ratchet gear 725. The mounting plate 715 iscoupled to the frame 25 of the cart 10 about a pivot shaft 730. Themounting plate 715, and thus the saw 15, is pivotable relative to theframe 25 about the pivot shaft 730. The ratchet gear 725 is coupled tothe mounting plate 715 on one side of the frame 25 and to the foottreadle 720 on the other side of the frame 25. As shown in FIGS. 23 and24 , a user may place their foot on the treadle 720 and rotate itbackwards and forwards to rotate the mounting plate 715 to adjust thecutting depth of the saw 15 between a non-cutting position (FIG. 17 )and a max cutting position (FIG. 18 ).

FIG. 19 illustrates a depth adjustment assembly 810 according to anotherembodiment of the invention. The depth adjustment assembly 810 issimilar to the depth adjustment assembly 710 but includes a hand crank815 instead of a foot treadle 720. The hand crank 815 is coupled to themounting plate 715 through a gear assembly 825. As a user rotates thehand crank 815, the gear assembly 825 is driven which pivots themounting plate 715 about the pivot shaft 730 adjusting the cutting depthof the saw 15. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20 , an actuator830 (e.g., a jack, pump, or the like) is coupled to the mounting plate715. A user may then control the actuator 830 to pivot the mountingplate 715 about the pivot shaft 730.

FIG. 21 illustrates a depth adjustment assembly 910 on the cart 10according to another embodiment of the invention. The depth adjustmentassembly 910 includes a foot pedal 915 that when engaged releases a lockon the axle of the wheels 540, 545 allowing a push handle 920 to bepivoted forward to plunge the saw 15 into the support surface 20. Whenthe foot pedal 915 is fully engaged, it rests on the support surface 20.

FIG. 22 illustrates a depth adjustment assembly 1010 on the cart 10according to another embodiment of the invention. The depth adjustmentassembly 1010 is similar to the depth adjustment assembly 270 butincludes a hand lever 1015 instead of a D-shaped handle 305. The handlever 1015 includes a depth adjustment lock 1020, an actuator 1025, anda pin 1030 seated between depth adjustment teeth 1035 for locking thehand lever 1015. To adjust the cutting depth of the saw 15, a usergrasps the depth hand lever 1015 and squeezes the actuator 1025 of thedepth adjustment lock 1020. Squeezing the actuator 1025 lifts the pin1030 out of engagement with the depth adjustment teeth 1035, allowingthe hand lever 1015 to pivot toward a new position coinciding with adifferent cutting depth of the cutting wheel 85. Pivoting the hand lever1015 translates the link 285, which then raises/lowers the wheel arm275. Raising the wheel arm 275 lowers the cut off saw 15, thusincreasing the cutting depth of the cutting wheel 85, whereas loweringthe wheel arm 275 raises the cut off saw 15, thus reducing the cuttingdepth of the cutting wheel 85.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the inventionas described.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cart for carrying a cut-off saw having a sawblade, the cart comprising: a frame including an upper portion and alower portion; a wheel arm pivotably coupled to the lower portion of theframe about a first axis; a rear wheel assembly coaxial with the firstaxis and coupled to the frame and the wheel arm; a front wheel coupledto an end of the wheel arm opposite the rear wheel assembly; anadjustment lever pivotably coupled to the upper portion of the frameabout a second axis; and a link having a first end pivotably coupled tothe adjustment lever at a location spaced from the second axis, and asecond end pivotably coupled to the wheel arm at a location between thefirst axis and the front wheel; wherein pivoting the adjustment leverabout the second axis pivots the wheel arm about the first axis toadjust a vertical position of the front wheel relative to the upperportion of the frame, and therefore a vertical position of the saw bladerelative to a support surface of the cart.
 2. The cart of claim 1,wherein the front wheel moves relative to the upper portion of the framealong an arc having an origin intersected by the first axis.
 3. The cartof claim 1, wherein the first axis is parallel with the second axis. 4.The cart of claim 1, wherein the adjustment lever includes a bracket,wherein the first end of the link is pivotably coupled to a lower end ofthe bracket.
 5. The cart of claim 4, wherein the adjustment leverincludes a handle in which the bracket is at least partially received,and wherein the second axis is located between the handle and the lowerend of the bracket.
 6. The cart of claim 5, further comprising a gearcoupled to the upper portion of the frame adjacent the bracket, the gearincluding a plurality of gear teeth, wherein the adjustment leverfurther comprises an actuator having an upper end that protrudes from aninternal opening in the handle and an opposite, lower end that isengageable with the gear teeth to maintain the adjustment lever in oneof a plurality of orientations relative to the gear that coincide withdifferent positions of the wheel arm relative to the frame.
 7. The cartof claim 5, further comprising: a handle configured to be grasped by auser pushing the cart; and a joint for securing the handle in a desiredrotational position relative to the frame, wherein the joint is coaxialwith the second axis.
 8. The cart of claim 1, wherein pivoting theadjustment lever toward the front wheel pivots the wheel arm towards theupper portion of the frame, thereby lowering the position of the sawblade relative to the support surface, and wherein pivoting theadjustment lever away from the wheel arm pivots the front wheel awayfrom the upper portion of the frame, thereby raising the position of thesaw blade relative to the support surface.
 9. The cart of claim 1,wherein the wheel arm is pivotable between a first extreme position inwhich the saw blade is at a maximum vertical position relative to thesupport surface and a second extreme position in which the saw blade isat a minimum vertical position relative to the support surface.
 10. Thecart of claim 9, wherein a vertical distance between the front wheel atthe first extreme position of the wheel arm and the front wheel at thesecond extreme position of the wheel arm is greater than a maximumplunge depth of the saw blade.
 11. A cart for carrying a cut-off sawhaving a saw blade, a motor drivably coupled to the saw blade, and atrigger for varying the rotational speed of the motor and saw blade, thecart comprising: a frame; a handle coupled to the frame; a throttlelever pivotably coupled to the handle; a throttle cable having a firstend and a second end opposite the first end, the first end proximate thetrigger to selectively pull the trigger, thereby varying the rotationalspeed of the motor and saw blade; and an actuator supported by thehandle and movable between a first position, in which pivoting movementof the throttle lever is incapable of tensioning the throttle cable forpulling the trigger, and a second position, in which pivoting movementof the throttle lever tensions the throttle cable for pulling thetrigger.
 12. The cart of claim 11, wherein the throttle cable extendsthrough a portion of the handle and/or the frame.
 13. The cart of claim11, wherein the actuator is a push button.
 14. The cart of claim 11,further comprising a resilient member biasing the actuator toward thefirst position.
 15. The cart of claim 11, further comprising aninterlock system including the actuator, a first bracket coupled to thethrottle lever for co-rotation therewith, and a second bracket that iscoupled to the second end of the throttle cable.
 16. The cart of claim15, wherein moving the actuator from the first position to the secondposition rotationally unitizes the first and second brackets such thatpivoting movement of the throttle lever tensions the throttle cable forpulling the trigger.
 17. The cart of claim 11, further comprising anactuator arm coupled to the first end of the throttle cable, wherein theactuator arm is configured to depresses the trigger in response to thethrottle lever tensioning the throttle cable.
 18. The cart of claim 17,further comprising a mount, coupled to the frame, within which a rearhandle of the cut-off saw is receivable, wherein the actuator arm ispivotably coupled to the mount.
 19. The cart of claim 18, wherein themount includes a housing coupled to the frame, a cover removably coupledto the housing and defining a cavity with the housing within which therear handle of the cut-off saw is receivable, and a latch for securingthe cover in a closed position.